Chapter 11

Blackmoon awoke to the dim light streaming through the crack in the roof. She drowsily gazed at Fallen Leaves' sleeping figure beside her. She stood on her haunches and stretched out her front legs. Fallen Leaves began stirring and slowly rose from the nest.

"An early riser?" Fallen Leaves purred, he padded over to Blackmoon and gave her cheek an affectionate lick. Blackmoon's stomach was bubbling with unease. Fallen Leaves was not Blackmoon's mate, and although she had Hollyleaf's feelings for this tom; it simply didn't feel right.

"I have to leave today, and make sure Blackstar gets back home safely." she mewed.

"You'll come back though, right?" there was a hint of concern in his mew. Blackmoon shook her head and looked into Fallen Leaves eyes; hurt and confusion clouding his gaze.

"You are not mine to keep. You belong with Hollyleaf, and I have no doubt you two will be reunited once again." Blackmoon said softly.

"You're right. I feel foolish for thinking you could ever replace Hollyleaf in my heart. I'll wait for her to come back to me." Blackmoon dismissed him with a flick of her tail, and then headed into one of the tunnels that lead her to the surface.

The light was refreshing, and the cold air battering at her fur made her tremble with satisfaction. The snow on the ground was melting, and mud was forming around her paws at the entrance of the tunnel. She looked back and felt a warm wind brush against her face; she sniffed the air. Fallen Leaves. She then waited patiently for Blackstar to meet up with her.

It was sunhigh by the time Blackstar had reached her from inside the tunnel. He dipped his head in greeting and they trekked silently side by side back into clan territory.

"Who was it that noticed that mangy old fur ball wasn't me?" Blackstar finally asked, breaking the silence besides the loud crunch under-paw with every pawstep on the snow.

"It was me, actually. That's why Bramblestar sent me to find you." Blackmoon said.

"I heard everything that was said down there. Please do not think I will use this against you, but I know you are the reincarnation of Hollyleaf." Blackstar admitted. Blackmoon stiffened but he continued, "Hollyleaf was a brave warrior, Thunderclan is lucky to have her back."

"I'm not Hollyleaf," Blackmoon hissed, "I may have her spirit and memories but I'm an entirely different cat." Blackstar simply let out a mrrow of amusement and padded farther away from her. Blackmoon's hackles were raised in defense, she was infuriated. How could he be so insensitive? Of course Blackmoon had Hollyleaf's spirit, but that doesn't mean she has to be the same cat. The rest of the way Blackmoon was silent; only stopping to hunt and to lap at a puddle of melted snow.

Blackmoon soon became familiar with her surroundings; she was finally back in Thunderclan territory. She noticed that Blackstar was falling behind, and became uncertain about walking any further.

"Thunderclan will welcome you like the true leader you are, I promise." She reassured him, he was still slightly hesitant, but followed anyway. They finally reached the bramble thicket that was the entrance to the camp. Blackmoon flicked her tail and told him to wait here. She padded towards Highledge, where Bramblestar and Squirrelflight were sharing tongues.

"Bramblestar! I found Blackstar!" She called out. The leader stood up promptly and jumped down to meet her. He pushed passed her towards the old leader, and she followed.

"Welcome back, Blackstar. Would you like an escort back to Shadowclan?" Bramblestar mewed.

"That won't be necessary Bramblestar. These old bones can still get me home safely." He replied. Bramblestar dipped his head in respect, and Blackstar turned and disappeared into the brambles.

"Blackmoon! You're back!" Blackmoon saw Foxleap and Lionblaze padding towards her. A deep purr rumbled in her throat when she saw the reddish-brown pelt of her mate. She pressed her nose into his fur and breathed in his warm, comforting scent.

"I'm so happy to see you again." Foxleap purred.

"I wasn't gone that long, mouse-brain!" She replied playfully.

"Welcome back Blackmoon." Lionblaze dipped his head in greeting.

"That's all I get? Welcome back? Come here you stupid fur-ball!" She pressed her nose against his cheek, but noticed Foxleap next to her bristling. She stepped back from him and saw Jayfeather hanging around behind Lionblaze. He looked unsure about walking up to his sister and interrupting the reunion. She padded up to him and swatted at his ear.

"You could at least welcome me back!" She scolded playfully, but Jayfeather didn't seem all too happy for her to be back. His gaze was averted to the ground as he spoke

"I need to talk to you in private." he said without hesitation.

"Okay." She replied, and followed him to the medicine den.

"Well, what is it?" Blackmoon sighed, she was getting impatient.

"Did you find out why Blackstar left his clan after the gathering?" He asked bluntly. Blackmoon stared at him with frustration.

"I was only told to bring him back, not to ask questions. Besides, how does that concern me?" Blackmoon retorted.

"It just doesn't seem right for a leader to abandon his clan for no reason." Blackmoon shrugged.

"Well, if I found out anything I'll let you know." She said, and turned out of the den.

The sun was setting and a slight breeze swept through the hollow. Black moon was sitting on her haunches inspecting the hollow and her eyes lit up when she saw Bumblestripe leave the nursery. Dovewing kitted! She rose from her spot and padded excitedly to the entrance of the nursery. She was about to walk through when she collided with the head of another cat leaving the nursery. Blackmoon cursed under her breath as she ruffled her fur in tail to get the sand out of her pelt.

"I'm sorry- oh Blackmoon! Have you seen the kits yet?" he asked cheerfully.

"Well I was about to but I was knocked off my paws!" Blackmoon replied and noticed Foxleap's gaze soften.

"I hope I didn't hurt you." he muttered and licked her in between the ears. "When you're done, I'll make it up to you by giving you the biggest piece of fresh-kill I can find!" He dipped his head and headed towards the pile of fresh-kill. Blackmoon continued into the nursery and the scent of warm milk washed over her as she approached Dovewing.

"Hi Dovewing, I've come to see the kits." she said softly. Dovewing beckoned her over with her tail. "Have you given them names?" Dovewing nodded and brushed her tail over a small white bundle of fur.

"This one is Snowkit, and this one," she flicked her tail towards a dark brown tabby tom "Is Tigerkit." Something in Blackmoon's body began surging, her heart pulsing. She felt like her paws were being lifted off of the ground as a screaming from the inside made her fur tremble. She had to get out of here, she felt like the walls were closing in on her. She dipped her head and turned out of the nursery. She streaked past Foxleap and Rosepetal, who called out her name. She ignored them and a sudden ringing bean in her ears. What's wrong with me!?

Very sorry for the long wait, I couldn't figure out where I wanted to go with the story but boy do I have some great ideas! Hope you enjoy!